Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis doubled down on the government's narrative regarding the war in Gaza, insisting that "all of this began with the attack by Hamas". Speaking at a briefing for political reporters, Marinakis made this remark in an attempt to deflect criticism of Israel's actions, which have resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians since 7 October 2023. Marinakis was referring to a UN Security Council resolution presented by Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on the "protection of civilians" in war zones – a resolution that conspicuously avoids any mention of Gaza or Israel. He described the initiative as "a resolution of substance and global impact", in stark contrast to a separate proposal submitted by opposition parties – led by the Greek Communist Party– condemning what they describe as the genocide of the Palestinian people.

He dismissed the opposition’s resolution with a jab:

“The only resolution that truly carries weight and global consequence is one that bears the Greek seal and has the backing of 80 countries. I’m referring to the one introduced by our Minister of Foreign Affairs at the UN Security Council.” Marinakis went on to praise the handling of the situation by the Mitsotakis government, claiming it “once again demonstrates maturity, without resorting to loud rhetoric that helps no one.”

Greek-led UN resolution praised, but avoids naming Gaza

It should be noted that the UN resolution Greece backed does not explicitly mention Gaza, instead offering a general call for the protection of civilians in conflict zones worldwide.

In a swipe at the opposition, Marinakis attempted to downplay their initiative with thinly veiled sarcasm:

“Since my student days, whenever I heard of a leftist resolution, I knew not to expect much. They’ve never solved anything – they’re always full of oversimplifications and vague theories. On the other hand, the government’s actions deliver results. The UN resolution supported by 80 countries is proof of that,” he repeated.

Attempting to steer the conversation away from partisan debate, he said the Middle East conflict should not become a battleground for domestic political point-scoring.

“Our country’s alliances and foreign policy issues cannot be settled with student-union-style resolutions,” he added.

Returning to the government’s core talking point – that Hamas is to blame for the bloodshed in Gaza – Marinakis stated:

“Why is there no mention in the opposition’s resolution of the event that triggered all of this – the terrorist attack by Hamas? What’s happening now, these horrifying images we’re all seeing, it all began with Hamas’s attack. Yet some parties choose to stay silent.”

He insisted the government hasn’t been silent about the suffering in Gaza. “Human life is not a matter to be weighed or compared. There are no good or bad civilians. Our stance must not be dictated by ideological fixations. We have spoken about Israel. You’ve heard the Prime Minister – he said we must be honest with our allies. And he’s done just that, not for the first time. He said the same during his meeting with Egypt’s President al-Sisi.”

Marinakis concluded by asserting that:

“Greece stands on the right side of history, without extremism or populism.”

Full statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis:

“I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of 80 delegations committed to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in armed conflict. This year, civilians in armed conflicts continue to live under unthinkable conditions of constant danger, insecurity and suffering.

The United Nations recorded at least 36.000 civilian deaths in 14 armed conflicts in 2024. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas caused tens of thousands of casualties across many conflicts, while landmines and explosive remnants of war continued to endanger civilians.

According to OCHA (Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), Gaza faces the ‘worst humanitarian crisis’ since the commencement of hostilities, following the attacks of October 7, 2023, with civilians facing starvation and being at critical risk of famine, according to the IPC, and with hundreds of aid workers having been killed since the conflict began. In Sudan, civilians bear the brunt of violence, with millions internally displaced and over half of the population facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Widespread civilian suffering was also reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and elsewhere.

This cannot continue. Today, we come with one clear message: The protection of civilians is not optional. It is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law, and a moral imperative we cannot afford to neglect.

In the face of deepening conflict and disregard for civilian life in too many regions, we call upon all parties to armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and we call upon all Member States to use their influence to ensure all parties respect for it. This is the baseline-not an aspiration, but a binding commitment, a legal obligation.

Civilian women and men, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, all suffer. Health workers, farmers, teachers are killed, injured, and forced to flee. Civilians are too often targeted or simply abandoned in the calculus of war. Their protection must not be a secondary consideration – it must be central to all military planning and political decisions. We reiterate our call to parties to conflict to protect civilians and civilian objects, including those indispensable to civilians’ survival, and to treat all persons in their power humanely.

We commend the vital role of humanitarian actors and we condemn all acts of violence and threats against them. Last year was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel when more than 360 humanitarians were killed in 20 countries. This has to stop. We reaffirm our determination to take concrete measures and use diplomatic means to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, and to enable them to carry out their activities and mandate in accordance with humanitarian principles.

We urge parties to conflict to allow and facilitate, as required by international humanitarian law, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need. The instrumentalization of aid for political, military or security strategic objectives is unacceptable.

We recognize the important work of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel, and urge parties to conflict to respect their professional independence and rights. At a time when misinformation and disinformation have become easier and widespread, often fueling conflict, independent media and on-site reporting are of particular importance.”

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